O. Henry

Brief Biography - O. Henry (William Sydney Porter, 1862 – 1910) O. Henry was a popular short story writer from the United States. His real name was William Sydney Porter. He was born on 11 September 1862 in Greensboro, North Carolina. His father, Algernon Porter, was a doctor, and his mother, Mary Jane Virginia Porter, was an educated woman who died when O. Henry was very young. After his mother’s death, he grew up in his grandparents’ home. From childhood, he was curious, loved stories, and enjoyed observing people’s lives closely. He did not receive much formal education, but he learned many things on his own. At different times in his life, he worked in a pharmacy, worked in a bank, and later moved to Texas where he worked in cattle ranching. While working at the bank, he became involved in a financial case and was imprisoned. During his time in prison, he began his writing career. He started writing short stories under the pen name O. Henry, and his stories quickly became popular. The strength of O. Henry’s stories lies in his simple language, deep sympathy for people, and surprising endings. Ordinary people’s lives—their joys and sorrows, hopes and disappointments—appear very naturally in his stories. He believed that life is often difficult, but human kindness and love make it beautiful. Some of his most famous stories include “The Gift of the Magi,” “The Last Leaf,” “The Cop and the Anthem,” “After Twenty Years,” and “The Ransom of Red Chief.” New York City was the main setting of many of his stories. Poor people, struggling workers, shopkeepers, street children, everyone appears vividly in his writings. He portrayed small dreams, sadness, and joy in simple, heartfelt language. His stories contain humor, compassion, human warmth, and unexpected twists. O. Henry’s life was filled with ups and downs. Despite illness, financial problems, and personal struggles, he continued writing. He died on 5 June 1910. His death created a great void in the literary world. Even today, his short stories delight readers, make them think, and increase sympathy for others. For his tender portrayal of simple lives and unseen love, O. Henry remains a shining name in world literature.